Diesel or petrol - stick or twist

[Millsy Hero]

Time has come to change the family diesel 7 seater comfortably into 6 figure mileage to something smaller, possibly a medium estate. Golf, Leon, a3 are current preferred choices due to rear passenger space over say a focus or Astra.

I don't get a company car or any mileage allowance so it is private mileage only and am looking at nearly new/no more than 3 years old and looking for around 150bhp performance wise due to type of driving we do and roads we use. Average mileage likely to be around 12,000 so we are on the cusp of whether diesel will be worth the extra initial outlay and fuel price.

With all the recent publicity and apparent government change of view over diesels it has thrown an extra spanner in the works.

Looking within a current radius of 50 miles, Yorkshire based, there are loads of diesels available both at main dealers and supermarkets but very little petrol stuff apart from higher performance stuff eg golf r, Gti etc. When visiting one of the main VW dealers locally they now have a waiting list for nearly new/used petrol versions and the Seat dealer reported people asking to buy subject to viewing. There is nothing on the forecourt to test drive used petrol v diesel.

I'm sure at the moment I could get a cracking deal on a diesel but there is that nagging doubt that we could be stuck with something harder to shift in future, depreciation higher and that veiled threat that cities may introduce some form of higher charge for diesels. I work city centre and have office parking.

If it wasn't our own money, we're yet to be convinced over pcp or personal lease, or had sufficient spare disposable income then the decision may be easier.

[ZX10R NIN]

As you say you're on the cusp so you need to work out if your miles are mainly motorway or if it's more town work.

Also if you can't find a car near you certain dealers will move a car closer to you so don't discount cars that are further away.

I'm not sure what your budget is but here are some alternatives to the cars you've suggested they're a segment size up but also have the Performance you seem to be looking for.


Ford Mondeo Titanium (with the X Pack)

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

Octavia VRS

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

Mazda6 Sport

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

BMW 328i

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...